New Zealand’s women’s cricket team, the White Ferns, faces fresh injury concerns ahead of the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka, with Lauren Down ruled out and Hannah Rowe unavailable (3rd ODI).
Batter Lauren Down has been ruled out due to a back injury sustained just before the first ODI in Napier. Unfortunately, she hasn’t recovered in time for the remaining two matches at Saxton Oval in Nelson, scheduled for Match 6 and March 8. Lauren has scored 486 runs in WODIs and 93 in WT20Is, and most recently gained traction for her 90(89) in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (HJS) Final.
This is an opportunity missed for the experienced veteran to capitalize on her rich form and contribute to her team’s success in their ongoing white-ball series against Sri Lanka. The series also provided her with a golden opportunity to seal her spot in the White Ferns ODI setup, but it wasn’t to be.
Down was initially a replacement for Bella James, who was sidelined with a grade two quadricep strain. To cover for her absence, 20-year-old Canterbury Magicians batter Izzy Sharp has been called up to the ODI squad. Originally set to feature only in the T20I series, Sharp now has an opportunity to make her mark in the 50-over format. In the recently concluded HJS, she accumulated 198 runs, with the highest score of 68.
Head coach Ben Sawyer acknowledged the challenges posed by these injuries but views them as an opportunity for emerging players like Sharp to showcase their talent at the international level. The team is already without key players Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, with Suzie Bates stepping in as captain.
“We’re all really disappointed for Lauren to be ruled out of the series. Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game, we wish her a speedy recovery. It does provide an exciting opportunity for Izzy to join the group in Nelson for these last two matches and we’re looking forward to welcoming her,” the head coach said.
Additionally, Emma Black will link up with the squad ahead of the third ODI as a cover option for Hannah Rowe, who will be unavailable as she fulfills her role as maid of honor at the wedding of her Central Hinds teammate, Mikaela Greig.
The young 23-year-old pacer Emma Black represented Otago Sparks in the recently concluded 2024-25, where she picked up 8 wickets in 9 innings and played a crucial role in her side’s success in the recent edition of the tournament. She had an impressive average of 38.12 and an impressive economy of 3.81 in nine innings with the ball for her side in their title-winning campaign.
The White Ferns will take on Sri Lanka in the second ODI on March 7, followed by the final match of the series on March 9, both at Saxton Oval in Nelson.
(Quote sourced from New Zealand Cricket Press Release)
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